A Brigadier General who, in 12 years, rose from enlisted soldier to corps commander.
A military leader who understands what soldier-centric command truly means, and does everything in his power to provide his personnel with everything they need: from training and logistics to detailed operational planning and the development of a comprehensive ecosystem around the unit that exists to serve its fighters.
An officer who leads by example, demonstrating that the new generation of Ukraine’s military has leaders capable of rapidly and effectively reforming the armed forces, rooting out the Soviet legacy, and outdated approaches.
A man without whom Azov’s history cannot be written. The one who made Azov what it is known as around the world: a unit respected by allies and feared by enemies.
Today, Hero of Ukraine, Commander of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, Brigadier General Denys “Redis” Prokopenko, turns 35.
“Redis” has proven time and again that he is willing to do whatever it takes to preserve his personnel’s lives. He risked his own life for his fighters during the darkest days in the unit’s history because “risk is the business of the brave,” and he stepped up to bear responsibility at the most critical moments.
The personnel of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine congratulate the commander on his birthday and wish him strength, endurance, and success in our shared cause: the defense of Ukraine.
We stand with you always, ready to carry out every mission assigned to us.
Happy birthday, Commander!
